Information processing apparatus displaying a list of names each corresponding to set print values

ABSTRACT

To make a set of set values of a plurality of print setting items added in a first execution environment usable in a second execution environment as well, an information processing apparatus comprises: a first printer driver configured to operate in a first execution environment, and add a set of set values of a plurality of print setting items to a list; and an application corresponding to a second printer driver configured to operate in a second execution environment, and obtain the set of the set values added by the first printer driver and display the set of the set values as a choice.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/602,445, filed May 23, 2017 (allowed), which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/617,030, filed Feb. 9, 2015 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,690,524), the entire contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a print setting technique.

Description of the Related Art

There is a “favorite print setting function” of giving a name to a setof set values of a plurality of print setting items and storing the setso that the user can set the plurality of print setting items at once ona UI (User Interface) used to set print output of an image processingapparatus. More specifically, there is a function of selecting, via aUI, a name corresponding to one set out of one or more sets stored andapplying the set values of a plurality of print setting itemscorresponding to the selected name at once as the current printsettings. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-331456 (patentliterature 1) discloses a print setting UI having such a favorite printsetting function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this specification, a case where a plurality of executionenvironments are operated in an information processing apparatus toimprove convenience for a user will be examined. As an example of theplurality of execution environments, for example, one executionenvironment operates assuming an operation using a mouse or a keyboard,and another execution environment operates assuming an operation using atouch panel.

When operating a plurality of execution environments is assumed, theexecution environments need different printer drivers or applications todo print setting. Hence, even when a set of set values of a plurality ofprint setting items is stored as a favorite in one executionenvironment, as in patent literature 1, a printer driver or applicationoperating in another execution environment cannot use the stored set ofset values.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an informationprocessing apparatus comprises: a first printer driver configured tooperate in a first execution environment, and add a set of set values ofa plurality of print setting items to a list; and an applicationcorresponding to a second printer driver configured to operate in asecond execution environment, and obtain the set of the set values addedby the first printer driver and display the set of the set values as achoice.

According to the present invention, a set of set values of a pluralityof print setting items added in a first execution environment can beused in a second execution environment as well.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to theattached drawings).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a view showing the arrangement of a system including aninformation processing apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware arrangement of a clientcomputer;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the software module arrangement of theclient computer;

FIGS. 4A to 4D are views exemplarily showing the screen of a printsetting UI in a desktop UI environment;

FIGS. 5A to 5F are views exemplarily showing the screen of a printsetting UI in a touch panel UI environment;

FIG. 6 is a view exemplarily showing a favorite addition screen in thedesktop UI environment;

FIG. 7 is a view exemplarily showing a favorite addition screen in thetouch panel UI environment;

FIG. 8 is a view exemplarily showing the structure of each data relatedto favorite setting;

FIGS. 9A to 9C are flowcharts of favorite registration processingaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of favorite import processing;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of favorite registration processing according tothe second embodiment;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are a flowchart of favorite registration processingaccording to the third embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is a view exemplarily showing paper alignment patterns.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that thefollowing embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limitthe scope of the present invention.

(First Embodiment)

As an information processing apparatus according to the first embodimentof the present invention, a client computer having two user interfaceenvironments (execution environments) will be exemplified below.

<System Arrangement>

FIG. 1 is a view showing the arrangement of a system including theinformation processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. Thissystem includes a client computer 101 and a printer 102 capable ofreceiving and printing print data of PDL (Page Description Language)format. These apparatuses are connected via a network 103 represented bya LAN (Local Area Network) so as to be communicable with each other. Thenetwork 103 can connect and communicate with an external network. Notethat the printer 102 can be either a single function printer having onlya print function or a multifunction printer having a print function, ascan function, and a copy function.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware arrangement of the clientcomputer 101. In the client computer 101, a CPU (Central ProcessingUnit) 201 controls devices connected to a system bus 204 in accordancewith programs stored in a RAM (Random Access Memory) 202. Note that theclient computer 101 includes at least one CPU.

The RAM 202 functions as the main memory, work area, and the like of theCPU 201. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 203 stores various kinds of programsand data. The ROM 203 is divided into a font ROM 203a that storesvarious fonts, a program ROM 203b that stores a boot program, a BIOS(Basic Input Output System), and the like, and a data ROM 203c thatstores various data.

An operation input device interface (I/F) 205 controls an operationinput device 209 such as a keyboard or a pointing device (mouse). Atouch display I/F 206 controls screen display on a touch display 210.The touch display 210 transmits an input by a touch operation to theoperation input device I/F 205. Note that the following description willbe made assuming that the client computer 101 includes the touch display210. However, the client computer 101 may includes a display that doesnot support a touch operation.

An external memory I/F 207 controls access to an external memory 211such as an HD (Hard Disk) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The externalmemory 211 functions as a computer-readable storage medium that storesvarious applications, various files, and the like, including an OS(Operating System). The external memory 211 also records programsassociated with print processing to be described below. A network I/F208 is connected to the printer 102 via the network 103 and performscommunication control processing with respect to the printer 102.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the software module arrangement of theclient computer 101. In particular, FIG. 3 shows a functional blockdiagram in an OS 3000 operating on the client computer 101. Programsthat implement the functional modules shown in FIG. 3 are stored in theexternal memory 211. The programs are loaded to the RAM 202 as neededand executed by the CPU 201 on the client computer 101.

The OS 3000 introduces a concept “session” to support login of aplurality of users. “Session” is the concept of the connection state ofa screen, keyboard, process space, and the like prepared for each user.There are two types of sessions. One is a user session 3100 assigned foreach user, and the other is a system session 3200 that is a specialsession assigned to an operation of the OS. In general, the user session3100 and the system session 3200 are separated in consideration ofsecurity.

Information of each login user is managed by the user session 3100. Theuser session 3100 is generated when a user has logged in to the systemand ends when the user has logged out.

When the user session 3100 starts, two user interface environments (UIenvironments) are generated. A desktop UI environment 3110 suitable fora mouse operation and a touch panel UI environment 3120 suitable for atouch operation will be explained here as examples of the two UIenvironments. Note that the desktop UI environment 3110 is provided by aplatform for a desktop UI environment, and the touch panel UIenvironment 3120 is provided by a platform for a touch panel UIenvironment.

The touch display 210 exclusively displays one of the screens of the twoUI environments and never displays them simultaneously. In each UIenvironment, only applications of architecture specialized to theenvironment can operate. Hence, a desktop application created for thedesktop UI environment does not operate in the touch panel UIenvironment. A touch panel application created for the touch panel UIenvironment does not operate in the desktop UI environment. For thisreason, to use an application of a UI environment different from a UIenvironment currently displayed, the user needs to switch the UIenvironment to operate.

In the desktop UI environment 3110, various desktop applications 3111such as a document composition application and a WEB browser operate. Inaddition, a desktop UI print setting unit 3112 is installed for printsetting of the printer 102.

In the touch panel UI environment 3120, various touch panel applications3121 such as mail software and a WEB browser operate. In addition, atouch panel UI print setting unit 3122 is installed for print setting ofthe printer 102.

The user session 3100 also includes a user storage unit 3130 accessiblefrom both the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 and the touch panel UIprint setting unit 3122.

The system session 3200 is the session of the system independent of theuser. The system session 3200 is generated at the time of activation ofthe OS 3000 and ends when the OS 3000 has ended. In the system session3200, a service that forms the basis of the OS 3000 independent of thelogin user operates. A spooler 3201 operates as a service of printrelated processing. The spooler 3201 receives rendering data and printsetting information from the desktop application 3111 or the touch panelapplication 3121. A graphics driver 3202 corresponding to the printer102 of the output destination generates print data (data described inPDL) based on the rendering data and the print setting information.After that, the spooler 3201 transmits the generated print data to theprinter 102 via the network 103. As a result, the printer 102 executesprinting.

The graphics driver 3202 and the desktop UI print setting unit 3112enclosed in a dotted frame 3300 are provided as printer drivers by ahardware vendor that develops the printer 102. For example, the printerdrivers are installed in the OS 3000 when setting the printer 102.

The touch panel UI print setting unit 3122 enclosed in a dotted frame3400 is also developed and provided by the hardware vendor that developsthe printer 102. The touch panel UI print setting unit 3122 is anapplication that provides a print setting UI corresponding to a printerdriver operating in the touch panel UI environment.

Applications that operate in the touch panel UI environment 3120 arecollectively managed on an external server to augment security andquality. The applications are distributed from the external server viathe network 103 and provided to the client computer. The touch panel UIprint setting unit 3122 is a kind of application that operates in thetouch panel UI environment 3120. Hence, the touch panel UI print settingunit 3122 is automatically downloaded to the client computer 101 andinstalled in the system in synchronism with installation of the printerdriver.

Note that only one of the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 and thetouch panel UI print setting unit 3122 may exist in the OS 3000depending on the operation setting of the OS 3000 or the installationprocedure of the printer driver. For example, if the network 103 is notconnected to an external network, the touch panel UI print setting unit3122 is not distributed from the external server. Hence, only thedesktop UI print setting unit 3112 exists.

The desktop UI environment 3110 and the touch panel UI environment 3120operate in different execution environments. For example, the desktop UIenvironment 3110 is implemented by the execution environment of Win32,and the touch panel UI environment 3120 is implemented by the executionenvironment of WinRT. The user storage unit 3130 is a storage areaaccessible from both execution environments.

FIGS. 4A to 4D are views exemplarily showing the screen of the printsetting UI in the desktop UI environment 3110, which is displayed on thetouch display 210. The basic UI operation procedure of printing from thedesktop application 3111 will be described below with reference to FIGS.4A to 4D.

In the desktop UI environment 3110, the desktop application 3111operates, as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4A is a view showing an example inwhich the desktop application 3111 is displayed on the desktop UIenvironment 3110. In the desktop UI environment 3110, a display spacecalled a desktop 4000 is displayed all over the touch display 210. Thedesktop application 3111 is displayed in a unique region called a window4001 for the desktop application. Since the menu and the like of thedesktop application are displayed in each window 4001, a plurality ofdesktop applications 3111 can simultaneously be displayed on the desktop4000.

The display content of the application and tabs 4002 and menu items 4003for operations are displayed on the window 4001. The desktop application3111 receives input from the touch display 210 or the operation inputdevice 209 and operates.

To print from the desktop application 3111, the desktop application 3111receives user's selection of the “print” item 4003 from the pull-downmenu of the “file” tab 4002. The desktop application 3111 then displaysa print dialogue 4100 shown in FIG. 4B. A printer name button 4101 usedto select an output destination printer, an advanced setting button 4102used to do advanced print setting for the selected printer, and a printbutton 4103 used to receive print execution are arranged in the printdialogue 4100. When the advanced setting button 4102 is selected, thedesktop application 3111 requests the OS 3000 to do advanced printsetting for the printer selected by the printer name button 4101. Uponreceiving the request, the OS 3000 displays a print setting UI (printsetting screen) of the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 correspondingto the selected printer.

FIG. 4C is a view showing a print setting UI 4200 of the desktop UIprint setting unit 3112. The desktop UI print setting unit 3112 is amodule that performs processing of print setting for the printer 102. Inthe print setting UI 4200, detailed print setting information concerningprinting for the printer 102 can be set. The print setting UI 4200includes a print setting item group 4201 and an OK button 4204 used todetermine print setting. The print setting item group 4201 displayscurrent print settings such as color printing and single/double-sidedprinting used in the printer 102, and also receives a change of printsetting from the user.

The print setting UI 4200 also includes a favorite setting name list4202 and a favorite addition button 4203. Note that a favorite is a setof set values of a plurality of print setting items. FIG. 4D is a viewshowing a state in which the favorite setting name list 4202 that is alist of favorites is clicked. When the favorite setting name list 4202is clicked, the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 displays, as choices,a favorite name list including a favorite added in a state in which anoption 7005 to add to the desktop UI shown in FIG. 7 (to be describedlater) is enabled. When one favorite name (identifier) on the name listis selected, the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 reflects printsettings associated with the selected favorite name on the print settingitem group 4201. In addition, the desktop UI print setting unit 3112displays the selected favorite name in the favorite setting name list4202 and returns to the display state shown in FIG. 4C. After that, whenthe OK button 4204 is pressed, the print setting UI 4200 returns theprint setting item group 4201 to the OS 3000 as the current printsetting. Then, the print setting UI 4200 shown in FIG. 4C is closed.That is, the favorite setting can easily be set. When the print button4103 of the print dialogue 4100 is pressed (that is, when a printinstruction is input), processing of generating print data is executed.

FIGS. 5A to 5F are views exemplarily showing the screen of the printsetting UI in the touch panel UI environment 3120, which is displayed onthe touch display 210. The basic UI operation procedure of printing fromthe touch panel application 3121 will be described below with referenceto FIGS. 5A to 5F.

In the touch panel UI environment 3120, the UI is designed while placingimportance on operations on the touch display 210. To facilitate a touchoperation by a finger, a pen (stylus), or the like, the operation menuis formed from buttons larger than those provided in the desktop UIenvironment. Although an input from the operation input device 209 suchas a mouse or a keyboard is also received in the touch panel UIenvironment 3120, an operation on the touch display 210 will bedescribed below. On the touch panel UI environment 3120, the touch panelapplication 3121 operates, as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A is a view showing a start screen 5001 of the touch panel UIenvironment 3120. The start screen 5001 is displayed all over a touchpanel UI 5000. The touch panel applications 3121 are displayed on thestart screen 5001 in the form of tiles 5002 to 5005. When the user tapsa tile, the touch panel application 3121 corresponding to the tile isdisplayed all over the touch panel UI 5000.

FIG. 5B is a view showing a display example of a WEB browser 5100. TheWEB browser 5100 is displayed all over the touch panel UI 5000, and anyother application is not displayed. To do printing from the touch panelapplication 3121, the user touches the right end of the touch display210 and slides the finger, thereby displaying a printer select menu 5200shown in FIG. 5C to select the printer of the print output destination.Print output destination candidates are listed in the printer selectmenu 5200. When the user taps a “printer A” 5201 as one of thecandidates, a basic print setting UI 5300 shown in FIG. 5D, which isprovided by the OS 3000, is displayed. In the basic print setting UI5300, basic print setting information such as “copies” and “color mode”can be set.

When advanced setting 5301 is pressed, a print setting UI 5400 of thetouch panel UI print setting unit 3122 shown in FIG. 5E is displayed.The touch panel UI print setting unit 3122 is a module that performsprocessing of print setting for the printer 102. In the print setting UI5400, detailed print setting information concerning printing for theprinter 102 can be set by operating a print setting group 5401.

The print setting UI 5400 also includes a favorite setting name list5402 and a favorite addition button 5403. FIG. 5F is a view showing astate in which the favorite setting name list 5402 is clicked. The touchpanel UI print setting unit 3122 obtains a list of currently storedfavorites, including a favorite added by the desktop UI print settingunit 3112 in step S905 of FIG. 9A (to be described later). The touchpanel UI print setting unit 3122 displays the favorite setting name list5402 as choices. When the favorite setting name list 5402 is clicked,the touch panel UI print setting unit 3122 displays the favorite namelist. When one favorite name on the name list is selected, the touchpanel UI print setting unit 3122 reflects print settings associated withthe selected favorite name on the print setting group 5401. In addition,the touch panel UI print setting unit 3122 displays the selectedfavorite name in the favorite setting name list 5402 and returns to thedisplay state shown in FIG. 5E. After that, when a “return” button 5404is pressed, the display state shown in FIG. 5D is obtained. When a printbutton 5302 is pressed (that is, when a print instruction is input),processing of generating print data is executed.

FIG. 6 is a view exemplarily showing a favorite addition screen 6000 inthe desktop UI environment, which is displayed on the touch display 210.The favorite addition screen 6000 is displayed by the desktop UI printsetting unit 3112 when the favorite addition button 4203 shown in FIG.4C is pressed. The favorite addition screen 6000 includes a name editbox 6001 to give a name (identifier) to a favorite print setting, and acomment edit box 6002 to further add a description. A list box 6003 ofsetting details displays a current print setting item group (one set ofset values) set in the desktop UI print setting unit 3112. Out of thecurrent print setting item group, settings different from the initialprint settings (initial set values) of the printer driver are displayedwith “*” added to the set values, as indicated by 6004. The printsetting group with “*” is the favorite setting target. Favorite settingtarget extraction processing will be described later with reference toFIG. 9B.

When a name is input to the name edit box 6001, and an OK button 6006 isthen pressed, the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 stores the favoritesetting in the user storage unit 3130.

FIG. 7 is a view exemplarily showing a favorite addition screen 7000 inthe touch panel UI environment, which is displayed on the touch display210. The favorite addition screen 7000 is displayed by the touch panelUI print setting unit 3122 when the favorite addition button 5403 shownin FIG. 5E is pressed. The favorite addition screen 7000 includes a nameedit box 7001 to give a name to a favorite print setting, and a commentedit box 7002 to further add a description. A list box 7003 of settingdetails displays a current print setting item group set in the touchpanel UI print setting unit 3122. Out of the current print setting itemgroup, settings different from the initial print settings of the printerdriver are displayed with “*” added to the set values, as indicated by7004. The print setting group with “*” is the favorite setting target.When a name is input to the name edit box 7001, and an “add” button 7006is then pressed, the touch panel UI print setting unit 3122 stores thefavorite setting (one set of set values) in the user storage unit 3130in association with the name (identifier) (storage control unit).

FIG. 8 is a view exemplarily showing the structure of each data relatedto favorite setting. Setting data 800 a to 800 c (to be representativelyreferred to as setting data 800 hereinafter) indicate examples ofsetting data of favorite setting. Each setting data 800 includes afavorite name 801, a favorite setting comment 802, and a favoritesetting target 803. These pieces of information are generated based oninput information to the favorite addition screen 6000 of the desktop UIenvironment shown in FIG. 6 or the favorite addition screen 7000 of thetouch panel UI environment shown in FIG. 7.

The favorite name 801 is generated based on the name of favorite printsetting input to the name edit box 6001 or 7001. The favorite settingcomment 802 is generated based on a character string input to thecomment edit box 6002 or 7002. The favorite setting target 803 is thelist of print setting items different from the initial print settings ofthe printer driver out of the current print setting item group and theset values of the print setting items. A generation method will bedescribed later with reference to the flowchart of favorite settingtarget extraction processing shown in FIG. 9B. The setting data 800 isstored by the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 and the touch panel UIprint setting unit 3122 in the user storage unit 3130 accessible fromboth.

Favorite setting name lists 810 and 820 are formed from the favoritenames 801 of the setting data 800. The favorite setting name list 810 isan example of the favorite setting name list of the desktop UI printsetting unit 3112. Based on this information, the desktop UI printsetting unit 3112 displays the favorite setting name list 4202 shown inFIG. 4D. On the other hand, the favorite setting name list 820 is anexample of the favorite setting name list of the touch panel UI printsetting unit 3122. Based on this information, the touch panel UI printsetting unit 3122 displays the favorite setting name list 5402 shown inFIG. 5F.

FIGS. 9A to 9C are flowcharts of favorite registration processing of theinformation processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.Favorite registration processing will be described below with referenceto the flowcharts of FIGS. 9A to 9C. Note that the favorite registrationprocessing is executed when, for example, the favorite addition button4203 of the print setting UI 4200 is pressed. The subject of theprocessing of the flowcharts is the desktop UI print setting unit 3112,unless otherwise specified.

In step S901, the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 performs processingof extracting the favorite setting target 803 from current printsetting. FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing details of the extractionprocessing. First, the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 obtains thecurrent print setting designated in the print setting item group 4201and a print setting initial value group 830 (step S911). The printsetting initial value group 830 holds the initial values of printsetting items settable in the print setting item group 4201. The desktopUI print setting unit 3112 also extracts the print setting items fromthe current print setting one by one, and sets them as current printsetting items (step S912).

After that, it is determined whether the current print settings have thesame values as the corresponding initial values in the print settinginitial value group 830 (step S913). If the values are different, thecurrent print setting items and their set values are added as favoritesetting target candidates (step S914). If the values are the same, thecurrent print setting items and their set values are not added asfavorite setting target candidates (step S915). The processes of stepsS912 to S915 are repeated for all print setting items of the currentprint setting (step S912). If all print setting items are processed, theextraction processing ends (step S917).

In step S902, the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 performs initialvalue setting processing for “add to the other print setting UI” of thefavorite addition screen. In other words, this is processing of settingpermission/prohibition of use (usable or unusable) by the touch panel UIprint setting unit 3122. In the favorite addition screen 6000 of thedesktop UI environment, processing of setting the initial value of an“add to favorite of touch panel UI” check box 6005 is performed.

FIG. 9C is a detailed flowchart for explaining the processing of settingthe initial value of the check box 6005. First, the desktop UI printsetting unit 3112 determines whether the touch panel UI print settingunit 3122 that is the other print setting UI exists (step S921). If thetouch panel UI print setting unit 3122 does not exist, the favoritesetting need not be registered in the touch panel UI print setting unit3122. For this reason, the “add to the other print setting UI” check box6005 is turned off to set an initial value to hide (step S922). If thetouch panel UI print setting unit 3122 exists, the check box 6005 usedto register the favorite setting in the touch panel UI print settingunit 3122 is turned on to set an initial value to display (step S923).After that, the process advances to step S924 to end the processing ofsetting the initial value of “add to the other print setting UI” in thefavorite addition screen.

In step S903, the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 displays thefavorite addition screen 6000 and waits for input to the UI. The checkbox 6005 of the favorite addition screen 6000 has the state determinedby the initial value setting processing (FIG. 9C). If the check box 6005is displayed, on/off setting is received. When the OK button 6006 ispressed after input to the name edit box 6001, the desktop UI printsetting unit 3112 generates the setting data 800 and stores it in theuser storage unit 3130 in step S904. In step S905, the desktop UI printsetting unit 3112 adds the favorite name input to the name edit box 6001to the favorite setting name list 810 for the desktop UI print settingunit 3112.

In step S906, the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 determines thestate of the check box 6005 of the favorite addition screen 6000. If thecheck box 6005 is on, the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 adds thefavorite name input to the name edit box 6001 to the favorite settingname list 820 for the touch panel UI print setting unit 3122 in stepS907. After that, the favorite registration processing ends in stepS908.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, when registeringa favorite print setting in one print setting UI, the favorite printsetting is stored in a common storage area that can be accessed from theother print setting UI as well. This arrangement makes it possible touse the favorite print setting in both print setting UIs withoutnecessity of reregistration in the other print setting UI.

Note that processing performed when the favorite addition button 4203 inthe print setting UI 4200 of the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 ispressed has been described above. However, when the favorite additionbutton 5403 in the print setting UI 5400 of the touch panel UI printsetting unit 3122 is pressed, favorite registration processing may beperformed by the same processing as described above.

(Second Embodiment)

In the second embodiment, processing performed when favorite setting inone print setting UI is invalid in the other print setting UI will bedescribed.

An example of favorite setting invalid in the other print setting UIwill be explained first. Some desktop applications 3111 can change theoutput size or orientation on a page basis when printing a documentincluding a plurality of pages. To cope with printing from such anapplication, a desktop UI print setting unit 3112 has print settingabout paper alignment as a print setting item.

FIG. 13 is a view exemplarily showing “paper alignment” patterns. Asshown in FIG. 13, a plurality of paper alignment patterns are defined inadvance. A paper alignment position necessary for stapling or the likecan be set by designating a pattern as the set value of print settingabout paper alignment.

On the other hand, there exists no touch panel application 3121 capableof changing the output size or orientation on a page basis when printinga document including a plurality of pages. Hence, a print setting UI5400 of a touch panel UI print setting unit 3122 has no print settingitem about the paper alignment position in a print setting group 5401.For this reason, favorite setting including only print setting items ofpaper alignment as a favorite setting target is invalid in the touchpanel UI print setting unit 3122.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of favorite registration processing of theinformation processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.More specifically, FIG. 11 is a detailed flowchart of processing ofsetting the initial value of “add to the other print setting UI” in thefavorite addition screen in step S902 of FIG. 9A. Note that as in thefirst embodiment, the subject of the processing of the flowchart is thedesktop UI print setting unit 3112, unless otherwise specified.

First, the UI print setting unit 3112 confirms whether the touch panelUI print setting unit 3122 as the other print setting UI exists (stepS921). If the touch panel UI print setting unit 3122 does not exist, thefavorite setting need not be registered in the touch panel UI printsetting unit 3122. For this reason, an “add to the other print settingUI” check box 6005 is turned off to set an initial value to hide (stepS922). If the touch panel UI print setting unit 3122 exists, a currentfavorite setting target extracted by the favorite setting targetextraction processing in step S901 of FIG. 9A and a print setting UIsupport table are obtained (step S1001).

A print setting UI support table 840 is an example of the print settingUI support table. The print setting UI support table 840 holdsinformation representing whether each print setting item is supported ineach of the two print setting UIs. A character string “invalid setting”is entered for an invalid print setting item. Here, since “paperalignment” is invalid in “touch panel UI”, “invalid setting” is set inthat item. Next, one of unprocessed print setting items of the favoritesetting target is obtained as the current print setting item (stepS1002). It is determined, using the print setting UI support table 840,whether the current print setting item is invalid setting in the otherprint setting UI (step S1003). If the current print setting item isinvalid setting, the process advances to step S1004. If the currentprint setting item is not invalid setting, the process advances to stepS923.

In step S1004, it is determined whether all print setting items of thefavorite setting target are processed. If an unprocessed print settingitem still remains, the process returns to step S1002. If all printsetting item are processed, the process advances to step S922. When theprocess advances to step S922, the favorite setting is “invalid favoritesetting” including no print setting items valid in the other printsetting UI. Hence, the “add to the other print setting UI” check box6005 is turned off to set an initial value to hide.

If the process advances to step S923, the favorite setting includes atleast one valid print setting item as the favorite setting target of theother print setting UI. Hence, the check box 6005 used to register thefavorite setting in the touch panel UI print setting unit 3122 is turnedon to set an initial value to display. After the process of step S922 orS923, the processing of setting the initial value of “add to the otherprint setting UI” ends (step S1005).

As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possibleto prohibit favorite setting including only print setting items invalidin the other print setting UI from being registered in the other printsetting UI.

(Third Embodiment)

In general, to improve touch operability, a touch panel UI needs to makeUI controls somewhat larger and set the control arrangement intervalsomewhat wider. That is, the number of controls that can be arranged onthe display screen of the touch panel UI is relatively limited. For thisreason, the number of setting items that can be designated on the touchpanel UI is generally smaller than that on a desktop UI.

This also applies to a print setting UI. As indicated by a print settingUI support table 840, for example, for a print setting item such ashalftone, the setting itself is valid. However, halftone is a printsetting item that is not displayed in a touch panel UI print settingunit 3122. That is, halftone is a print setting item that cannot undergosetting change by the touch panel UI print setting unit 3122. Such aprint setting item will be referred to as a “UI hidden print settingitem”.

Both the “invalid print setting item” described in the second embodimentand the “UI hidden print setting item” in the third embodiment are printsetting items that are not displayed in a print setting group 5401.Hence, when favorite setting is done, it can be assumed that the userwill be confused because the print setting items are not reflected onthe UI. In the third embodiment, it is determined whether favoritesetting includes “invalid print setting items” and “UI hidden printsetting items” in the other print setting UI. If such a print settingitem is included, the user is notified of it.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of favorite registration processing of aninformation processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. Morespecifically, FIG. 12 is a flowchart of processing of setting theinitial value of “add to the other print setting UI” in the favoriteaddition screen in step S902 of FIG. 9A. The subject of the processingof the flowchart is a desktop UI print setting unit 3112, unlessotherwise specified.

Steps S921, S922, and S1001 of FIG. 12 are the same as in FIG. 11, and adescription thereof will be omitted. The desktop UI print setting unit3112 includes a first counter for invalid setting in the other printsetting UI and a second counter for “UI hidden setting”. In steps S1101and S1102, the first counter and the second counter are initialized to0. In step S1002, one of unprocessed print setting items of the favoritesetting target is obtained as the current print setting item. If thecurrent print setting item is an “invalid print setting item” in theother print setting UI, the first counter is incremented (steps S1003and S1103). If the current print setting item is a “UI hidden printsetting item” in the other print setting UI, the second counter isincremented (steps S1104 and S1105). If a print setting item to beobtained as the current print setting item still remains in the favoritesetting target in step S1006, the process returns to step S1002. If allprint setting items of the favorite setting target are processed, theprocess advances to step S1106.

In step S1106, it is determined whether the value of the first counterequals the number of print setting items of the favorite. If the valueof the first counter equals the number of print setting items, all printsetting items of the favorite setting target are “invalid print settingitems” in the other print setting UI. In this case, the process advancesto step S922, and an “add to the other print setting UI” check box 6005is turned off to set an initial value to hide. If the value of the firstcounter is different from the number of print setting items, the checkbox 6005 used to register the favorite setting in the touch panel UIprint setting unit 3122 is turned on to set an initial value to display(step S923).

Next, the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 determines whether thevalue of the first counter is larger than “0” (step S1107). If the valueof the first counter is larger than “0” (1 or more), a message forexplaining that the favorite setting includes a print setting iteminvalid in the other print setting UI is displayed (step S1108). Inaddition, the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 determines whether thevalue of the second counter is larger than “0” (step S1109). If thevalue of the second counter is larger than “0” (1 or more), a messagefor explaining that the favorite setting includes a print setting itemhidden (incapable of setting change) in the other print setting UI isdisplayed (step S1110). After that, the processing of setting theinitial value of “add to the other print setting UI” ends.

Note that as the method of displaying the message in step S1108 orS1110, the message can be displayed in another UI such as a popup screenor in a specific region 6007 of a favorite addition screen 6000 shown inFIG. 6 together. Alternatively, as indicated by 5500 in FIG. 5F, aspecific icon may be provided beside the favorite name in a favoritesetting name list 5402, and a message may be displayed when the icon isheld down.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, a message isdisplayed when the favorite setting to be registered includes “invalidprint setting items” and “UI hidden print setting items” in the otherprint setting UI. This arrangement can call attention to the user whenregistering favorite setting.

(Modifications)

In the first to third embodiments, the method of registering a currentprint setting item group set in the print setting unit has beendescribed. However, as another favorite addition method, the settingdata 800 represented by the setting data 800 a to 800 c may be stored ina file format and imported to the print setting unit.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of favorite import processing. This importprocessing is performed by the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 whenan import button 6008 shown in FIG. 6 is pressed. The subject of theprocedure is the desktop UI print setting unit 3112, unless otherwisespecified.

First, the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 displays a UI to designatea file path and obtains the file path of the setting data 800 (stepS931). Then, the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 determines whetherthe setting data 800 included in the file has a format supported by thedesktop UI print setting unit 3112 (step S933). If the format issupported, favorite registration processing (step S934) described in theabove embodiments is executed using the contents of the setting data 800as the current print setting.

In the above embodiments, processing of adding one favorite setting hasbeen described. However, the number of favorite settings is notparticularly limited, and a plurality of favorite settings may be addedcontinuously. The favorite setting addition UI need not particularly bedisplayed, and the favorite setting may be added in accordance with thesetting of the initial value obtained in step S922 or S923.

As an example of the case where a plurality of favorite settings need tobe added is a case where the other print setting UI, which was absent atthe time of favorite registration, is installed after the registration.In this case, the desktop UI print setting unit 3112 performs the samedetermination processing as in the above embodiments for a registeredfavorite setting group, and registers a favorite in accordance with thesetting of the initial value consequently obtained in step S922 or S923.

Note that the subject of the processing is not limited to the desktop UIprint setting unit 3112, and the touch panel UI print setting unit 3122to be installed or another functional unit such as an installer mayperform the processing as the subject.

Other Embodiments

Embodiment(s) of the present invention can also be realized by acomputer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computerexecutable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on astorage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/orthat includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or moreof the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by thecomputer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out andexecuting the computer executable instructions from the storage mediumto perform the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). Thecomputer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processingunit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network ofseparate computers or separate processors to read out and execute thecomputer executable instructions. The computer executable instructionsmay be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or thestorage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or moreof a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM),a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as acompact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™),a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2014-052435, filed Mar. 14, 2014 which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatus comprising: adriver configured to generate, based on first information set by a firstprint setting software, first print data to be provided to a printer ifthe driver receives the first information, and configured to generate,based on second information set by a second print setting software,second print data to be provided to the printer if the driver receivesthe second information; the first print setting software configured tocause a display to display a first print setting screen which includesprint setting items, wherein the first print setting screen enables auser to input an identifier identifying a set of values to beregistered, each value of which has been set on the first print settingscreen to a different one of the print setting items; and the secondprint setting software configured to cause the display to display theinput identifier, and set the set of the values to the print settingitems on the second print setting screen if the input identifier isselected by the user on the second print setting screen, wherein thefirst print setting software is an application separate from the driverand separate from the second print setting software.
 2. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the application is downloaded from aserver in response to installation of the driver.
 3. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the first print setting screen isdisplayed when setting values for first data provided by a first type ofapplication, and the second print setting screen is displayed whensetting values for second data provided by a second type of application.4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first data isprovided to the driver, and the first print data is generated based onthe first information and first data, and the second data is provided tothe driver, and the second print data is generated based on the secondinformation and second data.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the first print setting software and second print settingsoftware are configured to operate in different execution environments.6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first print settingsoftware and second print setting software are configured to operate indifferent execution environments having different APIs.
 7. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the first print setting software isconfigured to operate in WinRT execution environment, and the secondprint setting software is configured to operate in Win32 executionenvironment.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in responseto registration of the identifier and set of the values, the identifieris enabled to be accessed by the second print setting software.
 9. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first print setting screenis a first window configured to display a first set of sheets enablingthe user to set the values, and the second print setting screen is asecond window configured to display a second set of sheets capable ofsetting the values, wherein the first window is different from thesecond window and the first set of sheets are different form the secondset of sheets.
 10. An information processing apparatus comprising: adriver configured to generate, based on first information set by a firstprint setting software, first print data to be provided to a printer ifthe driver receives the first information, and configured to generate,based on second information set by a second print setting software,second print data to be provided to the printer if the driver receivesthe second information; the first print setting software configured tocause a display to display a first print setting screen which includesprint setting items, wherein the first print setting screen enables auser to input a identifier identifying a set of values to be registered,each value of which has been set on the first print setting screen to adifferent one of the print setting items; and the second print settingsoftware configured to cause the display to display the inputidentifier, and set the set of the values to the print setting items onthe second print setting screen if the input identifier is selected bythe user on the second print setting screen; wherein the second printsetting software is an application separate from the driver and separatefrom the first print setting software.
 11. The apparatus according toclaim 10, wherein the application is downloaded from a server inresponse to installation of the driver.
 12. The apparatus according toclaim 10, wherein the first print setting screen is displayed whensetting values for first data provided by a first type of application,and the second print setting screen is displayed when setting values forsecond data provided by a second type of application.
 13. The apparatusaccording to claim 12, wherein the first data is provided to the driver,and the first print data is generated based on the first information andfirst data, and the second data is provided to the driver, and thesecond print data is generated based on the second information andsecond data.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the firstprint setting software and second print setting software are configuredto operate in different execution environments.
 15. The apparatusaccording to claim 10, wherein the first print setting software andsecond print setting software are configured to operate in differentexecution environments having different APIs.
 16. The apparatusaccording to claim 10, wherein the first print setting software isconfigured to operate in WinRT execution environment, and the secondprint setting software is configured to operate in Win32 executionenvironment.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein inresponse to registration of the identifier and set of the values, theidentifier is enabled to be accessed by the second print settingsoftware.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the firstprint setting screen is a first window configured to display a first setof sheets enabling the user to set the values, and the second printsetting screen is a second window configured to display a second set ofsheets capable of setting the values, wherein the first window isdifferent from the second window and the first set of sheets aredifferent form the second set of sheets.
 19. A method executed by aninformation processing apparatus, the method comprising: generating, bya driver, based on first information set by a first print settingsoftware, first print data to be provided to a printer if the driverreceives the first information, and generating, by the driver, based onsecond information set by a second print setting software, second printdata to be provided to the printer if the driver receives the secondinformation; the first print setting software causing a display todisplay a first print setting screen which includes print setting items,wherein the first print setting screen enables a user to input anidentifier identifying a set of values to be registered, each value ofwhich has been set on the first print setting screen to a different oneof the print setting items; and the second print setting softwarecausing the display to display the input identifier, and set the set ofthe values to the print setting items on the second print setting screenif the input identifier is selected by the user on the second printsetting screen, wherein the first print setting software is anapplication separate from the driver and separate from the second printsetting software.
 20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumstoring a computer-executable program for causing a computer to performan information processing method, the program comprising code toexecute: generating, by a driver, based on first information set by afirst print setting software, first print data to be provided to aprinter if the driver receives the first information, and generating, bythe driver, based on second information set by a second print settingsoftware, second print data to be provided to the printer if the driverreceives the second information; the first print setting softwarecausing a display to display a first print setting screen which includesprint setting items, wherein the first print setting screen enables auser to input an identifier identifying a set of values to beregistered, each value of which has been set on the first print settingscreen to a different one of the print setting items; and the secondprint setting software causing the display to display the inputidentifier, and set the set of the values to the print setting items onthe second print setting screen if the input identifier is selected bythe user on the second print setting screen, wherein the first printsetting software is an application separate from the driver and separatefrom the second print setting software.